The Devon Federation of Small Businesses has met with Central Devon MP Mel Stride to discuss issues impacting small business across the county. Mr Stride, who started his own business from scratch and ran it for 25 years before being elected to Parliament in 2010, now serves as Chair of the influential House of Commons Treasury Select Committee.
With the Chancellor’s Spring Statement scheduled for March 23rd, Mr Stride listened to FSB representatives Sue Wilkinson, Michael Green and David Scott on issues including staff shortages, the impact of rising fuel costs and whether the temporary deduction in VAT for the tourism sector from 20% to 12.5% could be extended. The discussion also included the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, financial support for businesses who want to become greener, the continued impact of Covid-19 and access to rural broadband. The trio suggested that the rise in National Insurance, due to begin in April, could be pushed back – something Mr Stride himself has previously called for.
Speaking after the meeting, Sue said:
“It was very useful to talk through the concerns of our members here in Devon with Mel. While many small businesses have made it through the pandemic and are doing well, others are really struggling and we outlined some of the measures that we feel would make a difference.”
Mr Stride added:
“One of the achievements I am most proud of is having cut business rates for the majority of small high street traders by a third while I was a treasury minister. Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities in Central Devon and across our county and need support in the face of significant challenges, both global and domestic. I will certainly be pressing the Chancellor on many of the issues the FSB raised.”
Photo: Mel in North Tawton recently meeting with small business owners.
For more information about the FSB, including how to join, visit www.fsb.org.uk.